FAQ
I would like to apply for research funding. What sort of funding does the SNSF offer?
The SNSF offers the following types of funding:
- Projects
- Careers
- Programmes
- Infrastructures
- Science Communication
For detailed information see:
Funding
Calls for funding applications
Who can apply to the SNSF for funding?
Basically any scientist (male and female) working in Switzerland regardless of their nationality can apply for funding from the SNSF. The requirements as regards to scientific qualifications, age limits, individual research experience, etc. vary depending on the type of funding selected. These requirements are outlined in detail in the information for individual funding programmes, or with the respective calls for applications.
For detailed information see:
Funding
Calls for funding applications
What are the deadlines for submission of applications?
Applications for project grants for basic research on topics freely chosen by the researchers (relevant to divisions I, II and III) can be submitted on 1 April or 1 October. Applications for the Sinergia funding scheme are accepted once per year, on January 15. For all other types of funding, the specific deadlines are listed in the descriptions of each individual funding scheme or given in each call for proposals.
For detailed information see:
Funding
Calls for funding applications
How does the SNSF evaluate applications for funding? Who decides which applications will be approved or rejected?
SNSF funding is granted on a competitive basis (through peer review); all applicants have the same chances of gaining approval for funding. The most important selection criterion is scientific quality. The applications are assessed by the National Research Council (divisions I, II, III and IV), which bases its decisions on the evaluations made by a panel of external, usually international, experts. For research programmes, permanent experts or a steering committee make recommendations to the Research Council (which makes the final decisions), thus guaranteeing consistent monitoring of quality and success rates. Recommendations for approval or rejection of funding at the individual divisional levels become legally binding after they are formally ratified by the Presiding Board of the National Research Council. The SNSF’s decisions can be appealed against before the Federal Administrative Court.
Detailed information:
How to apply (PDF)
I have a specific question about submitting an application for funding. Who can I contact?
For questions about project funding for basic research on topics freely chosen by the researchers and conference funding, contact the Administrative Offices of the relevant division:
- Division I: Humanities and Social Sciences
(E-mail: div1@snf.ch)
- Division II: Mathematics, Natural and Engineering Sciences
(E-mail: div2@snf.ch)
- Division III: Biology and Medicine
(E-mail: div3@snf.ch)
For questions about project funding for national and international funding programmes:
For questions about fellowships:
For questions concerning interdisciplinary and co-operative research
Addresses, telephone and e-mail: See "contact" for each funding scheme.
Where do I find application and report forms to download?
Links to all necessary downloads are located at the respective page for each type of funding.
Detailed information:
Funding
International Co-operation
How can I gain information about the various SNSF’s funding opportunities?
You can find a database on our website with all the research projects supported by the SNSF since 1975.
For detailed information see: Research database P3
In the "News" section on our website you can find the latest information about SNsF research policy, SNF funding schemes, and current scientific activities.
For detailed information see: Current
Three times a year "SNFinfo print" informs you about SNSF research policy and funding schemes.
For detailed information see: SNFinfo print
The "Newsletter" is directed at scientific researchers and provides monthly information by e-mail regarding calls for applications, events, publications, press releases and interesting facts from the SNF and the Swiss research community.
For detailed information see: Newsletter
Every three months the research magazine "Horizons" (in German or French), with its attractive layout, presents SNSF-supported research projects to the wider public and covers interesting topics from the worlds of science and research.
For detailed information see: Horizons
You can also order various informative brochures directly from us, and our press releases provide insights into current or completed research work.
For details see: Publications
Various research programmes provide information about specific issues and funding updates on their own websites.
For details see: Programmes
How can I ensure that I do not overlook any calls for proposals of the SNSF?
Our Newsletter updates you on a monthly basis about any newly opened SNSF calls for the submission of applications.
Subscribe to Newsletter
Where can I find information on Open-Access or on the SNSF requirements with respect to Open-Access publications?
Detailed information on Open Access and the associated SNSF guidelines can be found under:
Current > Dossiers > Open Access
Should I file my research application to the Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI) or to the SNSF? How do the two institutions differ?
The CTI promotes market-oriented R&D projects that companies carry out in co-operation with schools of higher education. The objective is to ensure that more companies employ the R&D resources of educational institutions for their own innovations. Furthermore, the CTI promotes the foundation and development of growth-oriented companies. The CTI enables young individuals to successfully become entrepreneurs thanks to its practically oriented education and training programmes.
www.kti-cti.ch
In contrast to the CTI, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) primarily supports scientific research focused on new knowledge and not on immediate commercial application. Information on funding opportunities of the SNSF: see above.
We would be pleased to advise you in the event of uncertainties regarding the responsibilities of the SNSF and CTI. If an application is filed to the "wrong" institution, we will consult with the applicant.
What is mySNF?
mySNF is the web platform of the SNSF and it enables interaction between applicants, reviewers, research institutions and the administrative offices of the SNSF. It facilitates the submission, evaluation and administration of applications and projects.
To access mySNF, a user account is necessary. Please note: New user accounts must be verified by the SNSF before they can be used. The successful set-up of the user account will be confirmed to you by e-mail. www.mysnf.ch
Where can I find information on the overhead of the SNSF?
Detailed information on the overhead and the associated regulations of the SNSF can be found under:
Current > Dossiers > Overhead
Where can I find information on the topic "Scientific Integrity"?
Detailed information on the topic "Scientific Integrity" and the associated regulations of the SNSF can be found under:
Current > Dossiers > Scientific Integrity
Where can I find information on the topics "Output of research" and "Entering output data"?
Detailed information on the topics "Output of research" and "Entering output data" can be found under:
Current > Dossiers > Output of research